Bench Test 300 Win Mag VS 30 Nosler by LRO Editor Jeff Brozovich

Here are some measurements and comments about the 300 Win vs the 30 Nos. I did some bench comparisons of the two. I took rough measurements of both the 300 Win Mag and the 30 Nosler with the very popular 215 Berger hybrid. Both cases were new unfired. For the 300 win the only new case I had was a Lapua head stamp. But this was good because I have found that the case capacity of the Lapua to be very close to WW and RP and some others. Cases were filled with a 6″ drop tube to the bottom of the neck. This is the usable volume for powder. I use two powders, H-1000 and RL 33. Then also H2O. CAUTION:!!!! These are not charge weights!!! They are max case volumes. Loads to these weights will surely be way over pressure!! Consult a loading manual for starting charges and work up safely.!!!

In conclusion here are my thoughts.
Case usable capacity with powder goes to the 30 Nosler with about 3.7 gr. What that will actually mean as far as muzzle velocity remains to be seen. Powder burn rate and barrel length will come into play here. Brass quality and hardness will shadow true results as well.

30 Nosler may be an advantage for some with a shorter mag box length by .095″ However I have not had issues in a long action loading to the lands with a 300 win with these bullets.

I plan to further research the quality and hardness of the available brass for the 30 Nosler. I know some very tough brass is available for the 300 win. Like Bertram and RWS. This could easily level the field for velocity and could allow the 300 win to excel. But that needs to be proven.

My gut tells me with a 28″ barrel they both will come in in the 3000 to 3050 fps range at 4000′ asl. But I would hope with good strong brass and the correct powder the 30 Nos. might see 3075 to 3100. Maybe?

Belts do not bother me in the least. But if you are one that does not like belted cases the 30 Nos. get the nod here.

The shorter neck of the 300 win has never been an issue either, but if you prefer a longer neck the 30 Nos. offers .041″ more neck to bearing surface length.

Factory ammo: 300 Win will get the nod here today. There are some darn good factory offerings and many of them. also easier to locate for sure.

Decisions Decisions. I am at a loss as to what I will do for a Current build.

More testing is certainly in order.

Hope this helps some that want to compare these two great choices for a 30 cal.